Could it be that a remedy from thousands of years ago holds the secret to stopping prostate cancer? A newly published study furthers the exploration of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and its potential anticarcinogen and antioxidant properties. The demonstrated ability of CAPE to stop prostate cancer tumors from growing may soon have it earning a spot among other natural remedies for prostate cancer treatment.
Leading prostate cancer expert, Dr. David Samadi, explains how this glue-like substance used by bees to repair hives is believed to work. "In this study, CAPE appeared to block the prostate cancer tumor cells from finding their next meal. When the cells can't identify sustenance, they stop dividing. If the cells don't divide, the tumor doesn't grow."
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine conducted the tests on human prostate tumors grafted into mice. After just six weeks of daily CAPE doses, the tumor volume growth rate decreased by half. "There are some important considerations," added Dr. Samadi, "First, this research has not yet been conducted with men. Second, CAPE doesn't kill prostate cancer cells and it only arrests their growth for the duration of the treatment. Still, this initial success could help us learn more about early stage prostate cancer and the disease's development."
Some reports date the use of honeybee hive propolis to as early as 350B.C. Thousands of years later, it is available as an over-the-counter supplement for everything from allergies to cancer.
Dr. Samadi likens this marriage of old and new medicine to his original SMART surgery technique (Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique) that employs the da Vinci Surgical System robot in the removal of cancerous prostates. "I work with one of the most advanced medical robots," he says, "but my high surgical success is due to the combination of that technology with my solid background in open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery."
As Vice Chairman of the Department of Urology and Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Samadi has successfully removed the cancerous prostates of over 4,000 men using his SMART surgery principals. SMART prostate removal surgery is the preferred treatment for localized prostate cancer as it delivers a lifelong zero PSA, with adherence to follow-up care, and preserves quality of life.
"I am constantly intrigued by how scientific advancements are linked with the past. The idea that natural remedies may play a role in modern medicine is fascinating; it's truly the art of medicine," concluded Dr. Samadi.
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